Another cyclone may strike east coast this month

New Delhi: Another cyclone could strike the east coast by May 26-27, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Wednesday.

Early signs show that a low pressure area is very likely to form over north Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around May 22.

"It is very likely to intensify gradually into a cyclonic storm during the subsequent 72 hours.”

"It is very likely to move northwestwards and reach West Bengal - Odisha coasts around 26th May evening," said the IMD.

If that happens. the storm will be the second to hit the country this year,after cyclone ravaged the West Coast.

It will be the first over the Bay of Bengal this year.
Once the cyclone forms, it will acquire the name Yaas, given by Oman.

There were two cyclones last year - super cyclonic storm Amphan and severe cyclonic storm Nisarga - which hit the east and west coast, respectively.

The IMD said that southwest monsoon is very likely to advance over south Andaman Sea and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal around May 21 in association with the likely strengthening and deepening of southwesterly winds over the region.

Other atmospheric and oceanic conditions like conducive environment for convection, sea surface temperatures are also favourable for persistent cloudiness over Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of east-central and southeast Bay of Bengal around May 22.

These conditions will help in formation of a low pressure area over north Andaman Sea and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal around May 22. (UNI)